News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, is gearing up for a variety of weekend events that include art exhibitions, farmers markets, and family activities. As the heat continues, attendees are encouraged to plan their outdoor activities wisely. Notable highlights include the Degenerate Arts Project at Stormwater Studios and the Disney-themed exhibit at the SC State Museum. Various farmers markets will also be open, making it a perfect time for locals and visitors to engage in community activities while staying cool.
Columbia, SC Set for Vibrant Weekend Events Amid Summer Heat
This weekend, Columbia, South Carolina, invites residents and visitors to enjoy a wide array of events, featuring art exhibitions, farmers markets, and family-friendly activities. As the area continues to experience a long stretch of hot weather and increased humidity, attendees are encouraged to carefully schedule their outdoor activities to stay cool.
Local farmers markets will be buzzing with activity, open in Columbia, Camden, Lexington, and Chapin. The SC State Farmers Market in West Columbia is among the popular spots, offering fresh produce and local goods. Meanwhile, for those looking for indoor fun, the Richland County Public Library will host movie screenings to provide a cooler alternative.
Art Events Highlight Local Talent
Art enthusiasts can take advantage of several artist talks at venues like the 701 Center for Contemporary Art and the Columbia Museum of Art. One of the weekend’s spotlight events is the Degenerate Arts Project at Stormwater Studios, organized by the Jasper Project. This exhibition features over 20 Midlands artists responding to the current socio-political landscape in the U.S. Doors for the exhibit will open on Wednesday, with a closing celebration set for Sunday, including live music, poetry readings, and a drum circle throughout.
Disney-Theme Attractions for Kids
For families, a highlight of the weekend will be the “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” exhibit at the SC State Museum. This display features over 70 costumes from beloved Disney characters. Due to limited capacity, tickets are available for timed entries to allow for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Comprehensive Weekend Schedule
The weekend agenda is packed with events catering to diverse interests, ensuring everyone can find something enjoyable:
- Forest Acres Farmers Market from 2-6 p.m. at Gills Creek Memorial Park.
- Kids’ Movie Night at Shandon United Methodist Church from 5:30-7 p.m.
- Degenerate Art Exhibition opening reception from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Stormwater Studios.
- Open House at Columbia Empowerment Zone from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Live music event “Live on the Lawn: Whiskey Tango Review” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Shandon United Methodist Church.
- Artist Marcel Taylor will lead a conversation and demonstration from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art.
- Jazz Party Thursdays featuring the Amos Hoffman Trio from 7-10 p.m. at The Aristocrat.
- Purple Martin Cruise from 7-9:30 p.m. on Lake Murray.
- Meeting Street Artisan Market from 4-8 p.m. at Interactive Art Park.
- Performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid and AIDA at Town Theatre and Trustus Theater, respectively.
- Public tour of Sam Gilliam’s exhibition at Columbia Museum of Art from 11 a.m.-noon.
- Splash Pad Storytime for children from 3-3:30 p.m. at Emily Douglas Park.
- Summer Lock-in for Teens at Richland Library from 5:45-9 p.m.
- Nashville Nights concert at Steel Hands Brewery at 6 p.m.
- Columbia Shag Club event with The Band of Oz from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at VFW 8738.
- VFW Car Show from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at American Legion Post 174.
- Camden Back-to-School Party from 9 a.m.-noon at Bethel Worship Center.
- Local farmers markets in Kershaw County and Chapin from 9 a.m.-noon.
- Coca-Cola promotional activities at City Market from 6-9 p.m.
- Dinner Detective murder mystery dinner show from 6-9 p.m. at The Peanut Man Candy & Nuts.
- Jasper Project Degenerate Arts closing party from 4-9 p.m. at Stormwater Studios.
- Wicked of Oz: A Comic Fable performances at Richland Library Sandhill (Saturday 2 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m.).
- Koala Bottle Harbison Half Marathon/5K at 7 a.m. at Harbison State Forest.
- Free tours at Hampton-Preston Mansion from 1-4 p.m.
- Documentary screening of “Midwest Matrix” at Columbia Museum of Art from 2-3 p.m.
Conclusion
This weekend’s events offer a wide variety of activities that cater to different interests and age groups in Columbia. Whether one seeks creativity through the arts, exploration at farmers markets, or family fun with Disney-themed showcases, the city has something enjoyable for everyone despite the summer heat.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Experience Columbia, SC Summer Events
- WLTX: Things to Do in Columbia Area This Weekend
- The State: Local Events in Columbia
- WLTX: Celebrating Juneteenth and Summer Events in Columbia
- Colatoday: Upcoming Events in Columbia
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Columbia SC events
- Google Scholar: Columbia South Carolina events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia
- Google News: Columbia South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
